We theoretically investigate, as a function of the stretching, the behaviour of the thermoelectric properties - the Seebeck coefficient (S), the electronic heat conductance (κel) and the figure of merit (ZT) - of a molecule-based junction composed of a benzene-1,4-dithiolate molecule (BDT) coupled to Au(111) surfaces at room temperature. We show that the thermoelectric properties of a single molecule junction can be tuned by mechanic stretching. The Seebeck coefficient is positive, indicating that it is dominated by the HOMO. Furthermore, it increases as the HOMO level, which is associated to the sulphur atom, tends towards energies close to the Fermi energy. By modelling the transmission coefficient of the system as a single Lorentzian peak, we propose a scheme to obtain the maximum ZT of any molecular junction.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c4cp04635h | DOI Listing |
J Am Chem Soc
January 2025
New Chemistry Unit, International Centre for Materials Science and School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore, Jakkur P.O. 560064, India.
Seeking new and efficient thermoelectric materials requires a detailed comprehension of chemical bonding and structure in solids at microscopic levels, which dictates their intriguing physical and chemical properties. Herein, we investigate the influence of local structural distortion on the thermoelectric properties of TlCuS, a layered metal sulfide featuring edge-shared Cu-S tetrahedra within CuS layers. While powder X-ray diffraction suggests average crystallographic symmetry with no distortion in CuS tetrahedra, the synchrotron X-ray pair distribution function experiment exposes concealed local symmetry breaking, with dynamic off-centering distortions of the CuS tetrahedra.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall
January 2025
Center of Quantum Materials and Devices, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) induced nontrivial bandgap and complex Fermi surface has been considered to be profitable for thermoelectrics, which, however, is generally appreciable only in heavy elements, thereby detrimental to practical application. In this study, the SOC-driven extraordinary thermoelectric performance in a light 2D material Fe₂S₂ is demonstrated via first-principles calculations. The abnormally strong SOC, induced by electron correlation through 3d orbitals polarization, significantly renormalizes the band structures, which opens the bandgap via Fe 3d orbitals inversion, exposes the second conduction valley with weak electron-phonon coupling, and aligns the energy of Fe 3d and S 3p orbitals with divergent momentum in valence band.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNanotechnology
January 2025
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan, Astana, 010000, KAZAKHSTAN.
Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations reveal the existence of a spontaneous heat current (SHC) in the absence of a temperature gradient and demonstrate ultra-high thermal rectification in asymmetric trapezoid-shaped graphene. These unique properties have potential applications in power generation and thermal circuits, functioning as thermal diodes. Our findings also show the presence of negative and zero thermal conductivity in this system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhys Chem Chem Phys
January 2025
Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China.
In the study of GaN/AlGaN heterostructure thermal transport, the interference of strain on carriers cannot be ignored. Although existing research has mainly focused on the intrinsic electronic and phonon behavior of the materials, there is a lack of studies on the transport characteristics of the electron-phonon coupling in heterostructures under strain control. This research comprehensively applies first-principles calculations and the Boltzmann transport equation simulation method to deeply analyze the thermal transport mechanism of the GaN/AlGaN heterojunction considering in-plane strain, with particular attention to the regulatory role of electron-phonon coupling on thermal transport.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Mater Au
January 2025
Liquid Crystal Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007, India.
Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) stand at the intersection of polymer science and liquid crystal technology, offering a unique blend of optical versatility and mechanical durability. These composite materials are composed of droplets of liquid crystals interspersed in a matrix of polymeric materials, harnessing the optical properties of liquid crystals while benefiting from the structural integrity of polymers. The responsiveness of LCs combined with the mechanical rigidity of polymers make polymer/LC composites-where the polymer network or matrix is used to stabilize and modify the LC phase-extremely important for scientists developing novel adaptive optical devices.
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